by Heidi Hackman & Colleen McNamee, District Career Coordinators, SD 63 | photo by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Curiosity is a great way to find your way. Megan Vesterback knew in grade 10 that she wanted to discover what trades were all about. Her rationale was simple: she “didn’t want to spend lots of time and money in university” and enrolled in the TASK (Trades Awareness Skills and Knowledge) program. This unique approach is a partnership between the Saanich School District and Camosun College and begins in the first semester of grade 11. During this program, students receive hands-on learning experiences in eight different trades, and it was during this program that Megan fell in love with welding. She had found her “way.”
When she came back to Stelly’s in her second semester, she applied to do the welding program at Camosun College as a South Island Partnership (SIP) student. This would allow her to get the high school credit she needed to graduate and have the program paid for. She had the Math and English marks, but also needed 30 hours of hands-on experience to get into the program.
Last summer Megan arranged to do these 30 hours at Titan Boats. She did such a great job that they hired her on full time. Rather than come to Stelly’s this past September to take her English 12, Megan elected to continue working at Titan Boats and take her English 12 online through SIDES. While working at Titan Boats, Megan was also earning high school credit through the Youth Work in Trades Program. As an additional bonus, the hours she logged while working were also counting towards her Red Seal.
But Megan was not alone on her career journey, and had wonderful support from other women. There were two other female welders at Titan Boats who provided motivation and insight into what the profession is all about. Megan is quick to add that “the men I’ve worked with have been very encouraging and supportive.”
Camosun College Women in Trades also offers support for female students and will be providing funds for Megan’s textbooks and other incidentals. Having these supports, and other supportive women on her side, has made Megan feel less apprehensive about attending Camosun. Her mom Selena has also been a huge supporter of Megan and her journey. She feels these programs are “an excellent approach for kids to get some practical knowledge and experience in the trades. Megan will be done her foundations program around the same time that most kids graduate Grade 12 – so she’s ahead of the curve in gaining full time skilled employment. Plus she has certification for fork lift operator, confined spaces, first aid etc.”
Megan’s advice to other future females who are interested in going into the trades is to “not be afraid to go into a male dominated industry; if you’re passionate about something then the opinions of others don’t matter. You’ll learn that in any workplace you’ll find people who have your back no matter what.” Sounds like Megan’s curiosity has paid off and she will no doubt be helping others to find their “way” as they begin their career journey.
My niece Megan is one smart girl with wisdom beyond her years already. I’m very proud of her. Thinking ahead and moving towards her future is not something many Gr 12 graduates have figured out when they leave school let alone before.
Selena just sent me the article about Megan Vesterback who is our granddaughter! We are so proud of her for taking a trade at Camosun College. She is a very intelligent young woman and could succeed at university, but it would take so much longer to actually get a degree and that wouldn’t likely get her a job either! Megan has a great attitude too and that will take her a long way!